In this course, we will use an anthropological lens to explore the many meanings surrounding romantic love as it is experienced and expressed in this country and cross-culturally. We will analyze underlying ideologies of love in song lyrics, love letters and everyday conversations in the U.S. and around the world. We will discuss different generations’ experiences with, and ideas about, romantic love; the relationship of romantic love to sex and marriage; different types of marriage (arranged, capture, elopement, etc.); and cultural similarities and differences in the expression of emotions. In addition to learning about romantic practices in places such as Nepal, Pakistan and Papua New Guinea, we will explore letters, guidebooks and other documents from past centuries.
Class sessions will be a combination of lecture, small group work and discussion. The topics for each session are as follows:
- Introduction to the anthropological study of romantic love, professional versus romantic narratives, and analysis of love songs.
- Case study from Nepal about love letters.
- Historical and contemporary examples of romantic relationships; Gen Z (born 1997 to 2012) attitudes toward love; and nontraditional love relationships such as polyamory.
- The future of romantic love, including AI chatbots as romantic companions.
Independent Reading: Modern Loves: The Anthropology of Romantic Courtship and Companionate Marriage, Jennifer Hirsch and Holly Wardlow, eds.; Invitations to Love: Literacy, Love Letters, and Social Change in Nepal, Laura Ahearn; Veiled Sentiments: Honor and Poetry in a Bedouin Society, Lila Abu-Lughod; “The People Who Marry Chatbots,” Amogh Dimri, The Atlantic; “Teens Are Forgoing a Classic Rite of Passage,” Faith Hill, The Atlantic; “Is Having a Boyfriend Embarrassing Now?” Chanté Joseph, Vogue; “He’s gay. She’s straight. They’re happily married,” Shane O’Neill, Washington Post.